A recursive algorithm for estimating multiple models continuous transfer function with non-uniform sampling

A multiple model recursive least squares algorithm combined with a first-order low-pass filter transformation method, named λ-transform, is proposed for the simultaneous identification of multiple model orders continuous transfer functions from non-uniformly sampled input–output data. The λ-transformation is shown to be equivalent to a canonical transformation between discrete z-domain and δ-domain using the negative value of the λ-transform filter time-constant instead of the sampling interval parameter. The proposed algorithm deals with oversampling, sampling jitter or non-uniform sample intervals without the need for extra digital anti-aliasing pre-filtering, downsampling or interpolation algorithms, producing multiple models with a cost function that facilitates automatic selection of best-fitted models. Besides, measurement noise is noted as beneficial, bringing up an inherent bias toward low-order models. Simulated examples and a drum-boiler level experimental result exhibiting non-minimum phase behaviour illustrate the application of the proposed method.